Air Fryer Oreos Recipe

I turned Oreos into a simple at-home carnival treat using a no-oil method from my Air Fryer Recipes Dessert collection that uses just a few pantry staples and an air fryer.

I love the carnival nostalgia of a crispy, gooey treat, but I wanted something I could whip up fast at home. Using Oreo cookies and a bit of pancake mix I get that crunchy outside and molten middle without the greasy mess, and honestly it surprised me how close it comes to the fair version.

I messed around until it felt right, and yes I googled Fried Oreos Air Fryer Pancake Batter at midnight like everyone else. I won’t spoil the how to here, but if you like quick, showy desserts that impress with almost no fuss, keep reading.

Ingredients

• Classic chocolate sandwich cookie, sweet cream center, give crunch and sugary contrast.
• Boxed mix add a quick batter base, carbs for structure and mild savory note.
• Adds moisture and lightness, supplies protein and lactose sweetness, helps coating stick.
• Bind batter, adds protein and richness, helps golden color and tender bite.
• Fat add crispness and flavor, makes edges brown, little greasy if overused.
• Finishing sweet dusting, melts on warm cookies adding extra sweetness and pretty.
• Tiny splash lifts flavor, deepens sweetness with warm vanilla notes, not required though.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 Oreo cookies (regular size, the classic ones)
• 1 cup pancake mix, like Bisquick or any boxed pancake mix
• 2/3 to 3/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Cooking spray
• Powdered sugar for dusting, about 2 tablespoons

How to Make this

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.

2. In a bowl whisk 1 cup pancake mix, 1 large egg, and 2/3 to 3/4 cup milk until mostly smooth; stir in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract if using. Batter should be like thick pancake batter, not runny; add a little more mix or milk to adjust.

3. If you want less ooze and a firmer cookie, pop the 12 Oreos in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before frying. This step is optional but helps keep the filling from leaking.

4. Hold an Oreo with tongs or a fork, dip it fully in the batter so it gets coated, then lift and gently tap off excess batter so it doesnt drip off in big blobs.

5. Place the coated Oreos in a single layer in the sprayed air fryer basket, not touching each other. Dont overcrowd the basket; do batches if needed.

6. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 4 to 6 minutes total. Flip each cookie halfway through (around 2 to 3 minutes) so both sides get golden and puffy.

7. Look for a light golden brown and a slightly puffed batter. Cooking times vary by air fryer model so check early the first batch.

8. Remove Oreos with tongs and let them cool on a wire rack or plate for 1 to 2 minutes so they firm up a bit but are still warm.

9. Dust with about 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and serve immediately. Theyre best warm, so eat right away or reheat a minute in the air fryer if needed.

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer with a basket big enough for a single layer of Oreos
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Whisk (or a fork if you dont have one)
4. Measuring cups and measuring spoons
5. Tongs (or a fork to hold/dip the cookies)
6. Cooking spray or oil mister to grease the basket
7. Wire rack or plate to cool the fried Oreos on
8. Small spoon or ladle to help tap off excess batter and for adjustments

FAQ

Air Fryer Oreos Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Pancake mix: swap 1 cup pancake mix for 1 cup self rising flour 1:1, or make a quick mix with 1 cup all purpose flour + 1 1/2 tsp baking powder + 1 tbsp sugar + 1/4 tsp salt. Texture will be a bit different but it works.
• Milk: use almond, oat or soy milk 1:1 for a dairy free version. Or use buttermilk (same amount) for a tangier, richer batter.
• Egg: replace 1 large egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit ~5 mins) or 1/4 cup applesauce for an egg free option. Flax keeps structure, applesauce adds moisture and a touch of sweetness.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting): use unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate dusting, or blitz granulated sugar in a blender until powdery to make a quick powdered sugar substitute. Erythritol powdered works too if you want low sugar.

Pro Tips

– Freeze the Oreos for 10 to 15 minutes before dipping, it really helps keep the cream from leaking and makes the batter cling better. Dont leave them in so long theyre rock hard though, or the centre wont heat through.

– Aim for a slightly thicker batter than regular pancakes so it coats and stays on. If its too runny add a bit more mix, if too thick add a splash of milk, and let the batter rest for a few minutes so the flour hydrates.

– Dont overcrowd the basket, even if youre impatient. Give each cookie room and flip halfway so they brown evenly, otherwise some will be soggy on one side and burnt on the other.

– Let them cool a minute or two before you bite, the filling gets crazy hot. If you need to keep leftovers crisp, reheat for 30 to 60 seconds in the air fryer, and try serving with ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate instead of just powdered sugar.